Camp Notes - Day Nine

Published on March 24, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - As training camp comes to a close, the competition for a roster spot is mounting for players. While veteran Brett Dietz seemed to secure the starting quarterback position, a fierce battle brewed behind him on Wednesday morning at Skyway Park in Tampa, FL.

B.J. Hall and Drew Weatherford are both rookies. Weatherford, a former Florida State phenom, is testing the waters in arena football while his counterpart, Hall, has experience in the American Indoor Football Association and the U.S. Indoor Football League.

"It's definitely a really fast game," Weatherford said, "I just feel like the game is finally starting to slow down a little bit for me. I am able to anticipate throws much better than I was before and also just having the opportunity to get more and more reps. I am getting used to the certain type of throws."

Weatherford made an immediate impact at Florida State as a true freshman in 2005. That year, he led all freshmen nationally in passing yardage (3,208) and passing touchdowns (18). He went on to surpass former the former N.C. State's Phillip Rivers to become the top freshman passer in ACC history with his 258-yard performance in the Orange Bowl against Penn State.

"The biggest difference is the philosophy of the game," he explained. "There is so much scoring. Because of that, if a defensive back gets scored on five times and has an interception, he is fine with that. There is so much scoring going on, back-and-fourth, that the mindset of them trying to get interceptions is huge. They just take a lot more chances than they normally would. That's also because of the different angles. With it being a much smaller field, they can recover much quicker than they can outdoors. You don't have as much room to lead people away and throw people open."

Hall, on the other hand, knows the arena game. He was a two-time AIFA All-Star for his play with the New Mexico Wildcats in 2008 and 2009. In 2009, Hall threw for more than 2,000 yards, 41 touchdowns and 202.6 yards per game. For Hall, the game is still fast.

"My experience with indoor ball will help me a lot," Hall said. "You will see in this game that it's a lot faster than outdoors. Guys are flying around. A lot of passes that I make are quick passes. Even if I don't complete them, I realize that it is going to be that much faster than outdoor ball."

The competition grew from the start of camp. Initially, Hall received the bulk of the second team reps; however, as Weatherford adjusted to the game, the reps were split.

"I'm never comfortable [with my position on the depth chart]," said Hall. "I just plan on getting better. Drew is a good quarterback so the reps really don't matter. Sometimes I will go first; sometimes he will go first. Basically it's just getting better when I'm in. The key word is progression. We basically both came out here never playing in the Arena Football League. We progressed from week one to where we are now. I look at both of us and we have both progressed into good quarterbacks. Whoever makes it is going to be fine."

Although Hall feels the pressure, Weatherford tries to keep his cool.

"In my whole career, I honestly try not to pay too much attention to what the other guys is doing. [B.J.] is an extremely talented guy and has done a good job. You can't help but notice him getting better everyday as well. I am just trying to focus on myself and to go out and do the best I can do everyday out there," he said.

On Wednesday, the team completed the final outdoor practice of camp. On Thursday, they will participate in a single-session practice at the St. Pete Times Forum in preparation for their first real test. The Storm will face the Orlando Predators in an exhibition game on Friday night at 7:30pm at the St. Pete Times Forum.

"I think it's big, not just for me but for everybody battling for a job. When there are live bullets and people are finally starting to get hit, as a coach you can tell who the football players are and who aren't. At this point, especially for quarterbacks, we really haven't got hit. That changes the game. When guys are coming for your head, you have to make throws, stay in there and take hits and deliver the ball, that's when you find out who your real guys are. I'm looking forward to that opportunity," Weatherford said.

Hall has a plan that he will try to execute in Friday's exhibition game.

"Basically just playing my game," Hall said, "Using my arm and my feet to pick up first downs and completions. I know that's what it's really about. I don't have to go in there and throw a 40-yard strike down the field, I have to throw completions and that will take care of itself."

There are no injuries or roster moves to report.

Tickets

The Storm kickoff the 2010 season on Saturday, April 3 when they invade Tulsa and take on the Talons. The Storm return home to the confines of the St. Pete Times Forum for its home opener Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Season Tickets start as low as $50! To be a part of all the hard-hitting action call 813.301.6600 (season tickets), 813.301.6900 (group tickets) or visit www.tampabaystorm.com.

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